Rob Smets – “The Bull Fighter”

Rob Smets is a 5-time World Champion Bullfighter, better known as the “Kamikaze Kid”. Just one look at Rob and you’d know he’s one tough fella. During his career, he never hesitated to put himself between a bull and a bullrider, knowing fully well he could likely die saving others. Cody Lambert, a legendary bullrider testifies: “When I was riding, I always felt good when I knew Rob was there, because if things got ugly I knew he’d be right in the middle of it – the greatest bullfighters don’t hesitate.”

Although Rob has fought the fiercest bulls and has seen his share of injury and trauma, he could have never imagined facing that degree of brutality within his own family when he learned that his 11-month old grandson was savagely murdered. He had to suddenly pose the question of why a loving God would allow this to happen. It had to take God’s grace to help him forgive his grandson’s murderer. “At one point all I could think of was vengeance, but I knew in my heart that God had forgiven me of my sins. I did a lot of bad things in the past and I am redeemed because Christ died for me.” With that, Rob went to the county jail and met his grandson’s murderer face to face to let him know that he had forgiven him.

Today Rob is an announcer and a motivational speaker who shares his faith wherever he goes. He is proof of how much trials can transform you. He realizes he isn’t complete yet, but knows that even when life knocks you down you need to get up: “‘Sooner or later, you’re going to get knocked on your (butt) and you’re going to find out how much heart God gave you, and how much you truly want to play the game.”